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Injured Solomon pulls up in 400m semi

John Salvado

Australian Steve Solomon insisted he had never felt better early in a race, only to break down in the 400m semi-finals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with another hamstring injury.

Solomon looked to be running freely before pulling up at the start of the final bend, grabbing at his left leg.

The London Olympics finalist came into the Games under a cloud, having not raced in almost two months, although he insisted he was fit and ready to run fast.

"The road to victory is sometimes the same road to injury," said the 21-year-old.

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"I am a little cold at the moment with what happened tonight.

"I had an incredible warm-up alongside teammate and mentor John Steffensen, and I went into the race feeling stronger and faster than ever before.

"I had never got to the 200m mark feeling so fresh, but when I went to start putting on the burners around the top bend I felt my leg go."

Solomon's injury is also a major blow to Australia's medal hopes in the 4x400m relay, an event where they have won gold at the past two Commonwealth Games.

Since his breakthrough performance at the London Olympics, when he twice smashed his personal best en route to the final, Solomon has battled ongoing fitness problems.

"I have an amazing support network and to all my friends and family back home your thoughts and wishes are so appreciated," said Solomon, who will spend the next five weeks recovering in Sydney before returning to Stanford University to start his junior year.

"I am already doing everything within my power to jump into my rehabilitation with all my energy."